Father-in-law passed away

Ch54856

Hello, my father in law has just passed away unexpectedly (admitted to hospital yesterday). My partner is only 27 and is the next of kin. He doesn't have any other family to support him (Only an auntie with dementia). We know his father doesn't have a will but we just don't know where to begin. We do not have any cash to cover the funeral costs and we are both working and not entitled to any benefits therefore not entitled to any grants. Where do we begin? Thanks in advance.

Yorkshireman99

Ch54856 wrote: »

Hello, my father in law has just passed away unexpectedly (admitted to hospital yesterday). My partner is only 27 and is the next of kin. He doesn't have any other family to support him (Only an auntie with dementia). We know his father doesn't have a will but we just don't know where to begin. We do not have any cash to cover the funeral costs and we are both working and not entitled to any benefits therefore not entitled to any grants. Where do we begin? Thanks in advance.

If there is no money then the hospital where he died has to pay. You have no legal obligation to contribute. This is known as a public health funeral and will be simple but dignified and usually wil include cremation. To start off read the “stickies” at the beginning of this forum. Remember if you order a funeral you will be liable to pay. Inform the hospital ASAP of the situation. If there is no will then someone has to apply for letters of administration. Do you know what assets or debts there are? Plenty of advice here. You just ask.

dresdendave

No doubt at the moment you are still coming to terms with the shock of his unexpected death.


Usually the funeral would be paid from the estate of the deceased. As stated by YM99 the hospital would pay if there is no money in the estate.


You haven't told us anything about your FIL's financial situation, did he own a house, have any savings, did he have any debts?


Without this information it's hard to advise.

Moogles44

I know funeral costs came out of my father’s estate so maybe go to a recommended solicitor- do check reviews first as you can really be taken for a ride by some, and they can advise you and help you possibly regarding this?

So sorry, I always think it’s awful how you haven’t even come to terms with the loss and have to do the huge thing of planning a funeral x

Edit - apparently local council may help with costs https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/help-paying-for-a-funeral#what-happens-if-you-cant-afford-a-funeral

PasturesNew

As others have said, it is not for you to pay. If it does end up with the Hospital/Council paying then you will still be able to attend.

But - the money to pay for the funeral would be expected to come from the deceased's estate. An estate means: Anything of value.... so house, car, savings, belongings.

In short: What is the total sum value of the deceased's belongings and savings and everything?

Keep_pedalling

Providing the funds are there, banks will usually pay the FD directly.

sheramber

First your partner needs to register the death but in the case of sudden death there will be a delay as the death will be reported to the coroner.

https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death

Was your father in law employed or in receipt of a pension? Any employer will need to be notified.

When you register the death the registrar can notify the DWP ETC.

Did he have any bank accounts? iF so, the banks will need to be notified.

Did he own his house , on a mortgage or was it rented?

eddyinfreehold

sheramber wrote: »

First your partner needs to register the death but in the case of sudden death there will be a delay as the death will be reported to the coroner.

https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death

Was your father in law employed or in receipt of a pension? Any employer will need to be notified.

When you register the death the registrar can notify the DWP ETC.

Did he have any bank accounts? iF so, the banks will need to be notified.

Did he own his house , on a mortgage or was it rented?

All the above is absolutely correct. My condolences, you will both have been hit a bit sideways at the moment but don't panic. If you are absolutely sure there are no capable relatives that can help you, then the responsibility lies with you at present but it doesn't need to be difficult. It might be emotionally straining but the procedure is sorted and all the authorities will be sympathetic.

You need to get advice from the doctor or hospital as to where your father is and ensure that the death has been recorded properly. It may be as the death was unexpected that the Coroner will require an inquest (in England and Wales) and you are only able to obtain an Interim Death Certificate until an Inquest takes place. This is for the next few weeks. Do not worry about a funeral or funeral costs until you have sorted the basics. The hospital will help you and advise you here.

In the next few days when works allows or if you can get time off you must secure your father in law's house, ensure that the gas, electric and water are safe, the locks are reliable and the buildings and contents insurance is in place. You will need to inform lots of people about the death in the next few weeks, but the house insurers (or landlord if he rented) must be aware as soon as possible. If he owned the house or flat then the local authority will need to know that the property is vacant owing to bereavement so that no council tax is payable for the moment. If he rented then you must tell the landlord, but not I would suggest before you have removed all paperwork and discussed a period of time acceptable to remove possessions. If any of your father's friends had keys then you must get them back. The next most important thing is to gather up all the papers and documents that your father kept....driving licence, passport, keys, bank details, chequebooks, cards, statements, etc plus ALL other paperwork you can find. Do not bin anything. Put all the papers, bills, receipts and post from every room, coat pockets, drawers, bags etc into cardboard boxes and take them home and store them safely. You will then be certain that any details of credits or debts he had are safe with you. It will take a week or two to get through the details of your father in law's immediate death and the advice from the hospital, the registry office and possibly the Coroner, but at least you will know all the important aspects are safe and secure in the meantime.

Nothing happens quickly. The next stage is to inform your father's friends (and possibly relations) of his death, and you will keep them posted as to what happens next. If you need further advice please come back and explain as much of the situation as you can. My advice is based upon the fact your father in law is either a widower, divorced or has no contact with a previous partner who may have a claim on the estate but is unaware of the situation.